By Alisha Adhikari
Kathmandu, 19 September, 2026 - Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) organized “|| जलवायु न्याय, संवादमा युवा || - Rasuwa and Beyond: A Youth Dialogue on Climate Risk, Disaster and Justice” on September 17 in Kathmandu, bringing together young climate activists, researchers, disaster risk practitioners and civil society representatives to discuss Nepal’s growing climate and disaster risks and the need for climate justice.
Held in the context of the recent flash floods in Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot and other parts of Nepal, the event focused on the implications of such disasters for vulnerable communities. Participants explored priorities around disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, agriculture and food security, gender and social inclusion, climate finance, loss and damage, and global climate justice.
The dialogue featured reflections from youth and climate leaders, followed by an open discussion and thematic group work. Participants discussed the lessons Nepal can draw from recent disasters, including the need for stronger preparedness, early warning systems, risk-informed infrastructure and community-led adaptation.
Placing climate justice at the center of discussions, participants highlighted the stark imbalance between Nepal’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and the significant climate and disaster risks it faces. They emphasized that communities that have contributed little to the climate crisis are increasingly bearing its consequences through disasters, livelihood losses, food insecurity and damage to infrastructure.
Discussions on climate finance further highlighted the need for adequate, accessible and predictable support for climate-vulnerable countries like Nepal. Participants stressed that international climate finance should reach vulnerable communities and argued that support for adaptation and climate-related recovery should prioritize grant-based finance rather than adding to the debt burden of countries already facing significant climate impacts.
The event concluded with a collective call for stronger preparedness, inclusive adaptation, community-centered climate action and continued youth engagement in advancing climate justice in Nepal.
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